JAT/IS/08
Oct. 08
FORMER ADF GRIEVANCES AND DEMANDS
References:
A. Minutes of a meeting held on the 08 Oct 08 at JAT HQs
B. Unreferenced memorandum to OCT, dated 13 Oct 08
INTRODUCTION
1. On the 08 Oct 08, a meeting comprising a group of 24 former ADF reporters led by former ADF Chief-of-Staff - Benz Tushabe Munyangondo was convened in the DCT’s office following repeated unsubstantiated complaints that the government/JAT had forgotten, used, and dumped them. These necessitated a call for an audience with them for purposes of accountability and listen to their personal views in order to determine their mindset.
The meeting was also important as a pre-emptive security measure owing to their grievances ahead of the 09 Oct 08 Independence Day celebrations and the just concluded Tripartite-Plus, Comesa and SADC Heads of government summit in Kampala. However, after the meeting, they were advised to come up with a written document detailing their views for further management. The memorandum was signed by Hussein Maiga and Benz Tushabe on behalf of the group. Whereas some of their concerns are genuine, others are unrealistic, unworthy and over ambitious.
2. After a careful scrutiny of the document, the following highlights have been picked for necessary action;
That they represent and work on behalf of the many ADF reporters scattered all over the country having been pardoned under the Amnesty Act of 2000.
That it’s over seven (07) years since the former ADF combatants voluntarily renounced rebellion against the government by reporting to various stakeholders such as; army units/ detaches, RDC offices, Churches and many others.
That it would be a wrong assumption for the government to think they surrendered because of cowardice or the UPDF fire power.
That they have written numerous reports and memorandum highlighting their plight to HE The President, CMI/JAT and several other stakeholders but without any positive outcome, hence they now feel tired to do so.
That the resettlement package given to former ADF was too small to start up new meaningful life as most of them have no capacity to start an income generating activity. As a result, they now live below poverty line, hence making them idle and redundant. Most of the reporters are vulnerable and potential recruits who can easily be lured back into terrorist activities against the government.
However, they claim they are still resourceful despite mishandling of their issues and isolation. They point out that; some of their colleagues were integrated into the UPDF, others attached to various security agencies (including CMI/JAT) helping with operational/ intelligence networking, sensitization of the Muslim community especially from the Tablique/Salaf sects against acts of; terrorism, intolerance, fundamentalism, religious segregation/divisionism etc. For this reason, they observe the following;
That they have not been paid equitably like other regular soldiers despite the services rendered above for the sake of national peace and stability.
They are not considered for loans, yet other regular soldiers can access. For example; Two ADF reporters namely; Kakooza Ahmad and one Dada Mukibi were denied loan access.
The former office of Arrest Search Surveillance and Tracking (ASST) at Kitante which played a pivotal role in liaising ADF networking was no longer operational, and their only vehicle (Isuzu Trooper) which helped them was never replaced.
In the process of working for government, their lives have been increasingly put at risk by fellow ADF still in the bush. They say this is due to government’s reluctance to provide them with adequate security. They cite the untimely death of their colleagues like; Dr. Lyavaala, Zilyawulawo, Junju, Amir Kasakya, Issa Twatera, Benon Musisi , Abbas Kagimu and others mysteriously killed whom they claim died in vain because, until to-date nobody has ever been arrested and prosecuted in connection to the killings. They regard this as discrimination of the highest order.
That the widows and orphans of the deceased ADF reporters are not getting assistance in terms of subsistence, school fees etc, yet their husbands died while on state duty.
That because of harsh and miserable living conditions, some desperate ADF reporters have been lured back into the rebel ranks e.g. Abdusalam Lukwebe Mwebe and others. That while some of their colleagues are still languishing in the harsh conditions of prison to-date, they have given up hope and justification to a meaningful life. That a few of their colleagues reportedly misbehaving may be due to mistreatment and a misconception by government about their plight.
They accuse the government of taking them for granted since they have no job security and are not well documented to enable government help them in case of problems or be answerable. For instance;
That they are sent upcountry for an operation and the responsible security counterparts in the area are not informed about their presence or mission. Such a move has landed their colleagues into problems, namely; Rwigyema Shafik and one Tumusiime Hassan who were arrested while on duty in one of the Islands on Lake Victoria. They were sent to Makindye Military barracks and jailed for four (04) years without any substantial reason. That this has negatively affected their morale and confidence in government.
That no gratuity or package is paid to their family when they die or get injured while sent on government missions. They single out the brutal hacking of the late Abbas Kagimu where until to-date no culprit had been brought to book, and his family is suffering because the government seems reluctant to care about it.
That there is rampant arrest and prolonged detention without trial mainly targeting members of Muslim Salaf sect and other Muslim youths basing on trivial information. They have always been subjected to physical and psychological torture by putting one to solitary confinement, safe houses, sleeping on cold cemented floors (harmful to health), and use of dangerous objects to extract information. Many of such nature are languishing in government prisons with some having been deliberately denied amnesty. For example;
Sheikh Haidari Sserwanga Bukenya and Maneno Majaliwa were granted amnesty but are still being held in Luzira prison even after being cleared by the General Court Martial (GCM). That their fate now is impending clearance by CMI/JAT which has up to now failed to act. However, they still remain optimistic.
They also cite the unlawful arrest of Lukwebe’s wife and other female suspects because of their husbands’ involvement in ADF rebel activities.
On the 03 Feb 04, they had an audience with HE The President through the former UPDF Chief-of-Staff – Maj. Gen. Joshua Masaba to discuss ADF reporters’ grievances. That the President, through the former Min of State for Security -Hon Betty Akech (who was present in the meeting) directed for the release of Maneno Majaliwa and Shk Haidari Sserwanga Bukenya so that they work as a team by conducting mass mobilisation to convince other ADF combatants to renounce rebellion. To-date, they have not been released.
THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS AND WAY FORWARD
3.a) That the ADF Reporters Representing office should have an audience with both the CMI/JAT leadership in order to forge a new working relationship to replace the current one, which according to them has failed to perform. That this will therefore;
Formalise clear terms and methods of operation in order to avoid ambiguity, duplication of work and ensure job security for them.
Enable them to review their shortcomings and be able to rectify where necessary.
Draw strategic future plans to improve on the modus operandi that suits in the current security requirements in the areas of field intelligence, information gathering and analysis, quick response to security threats, and pre-empt plans by negative forces intending to commit acts of terrorism or banditry against the government.
They claim they had a raw deal by voluntarily reporting to government basically responding to the Amnesty provision though in small groups without any formal negotiations, unlike the case with the former UNRF-II of Maj Gen Ali Bamuze and UNFA of Maj Muhammed Kiggundu. They appeal to the government to recognise them and the current leadership of ADF Reporters Representing office as an entity and a true body that can be consulted, working for and representing all Muslim youths of Salaf sect in the country. This shall help both parties achieve the following;
Build confidence and relationship between government and ADF reporters in the country.
Assist government in its bid for peace negotiations with ADF combatants still in the bush, ending war and fighting terrorism.
That short of the above issues, they warn that 80% of ADF returnees are still in their youthful age, and unlike UNRF-II returnees who are older and above 50 years, the ADF returnees are still young, swift, and vigilant to be employed for more hardships, endurance and rigorous action.
They warned that they are sane human beings who don’t need any intoxicants to influence their thoughts, can easily get annoyed and compelled to do something which may be disastrous to both parties. They therefore, call upon the government to desist from mistreating them and should be dully considered like other returnees and UPDF soldiers. That government should act now.
That the ADF potential has a wide range, thus including; ADF combatants in DRC, ADF returnees who got amnesty, Muslim youths (devotees of Salaf and Tablique sects) and a few of the remaining Muslim population. That dealing with this group needs a lot of sophistication, that’s why there has been continued recruitment into ADF to-date, especially in the Eastern region.
That most of these Muslim youths, though not much educated are aware of the new Islamic renaissance in the world, American invasion of Iraq, Afghanistan and the events taking place in Somalia. That this should not be underestimated or taken lightly because these are practicing Muslim youths who regularly meet at least 05 times day during prayers. Government should come up with a programme to engage these Muslim youths in active economic activities to avoid idleness and redundancy.
That the former container village meant for ADF mobilisation office be re-established and reinstated as was the case during the late Twatera’s time, to enable them perform normal ADF operations. That the said office which mainly comprised of ADF reporters was strategically put in place by former CMI for the following tasks;
Liaison office coordinating up the dealings and conduct of ADF reporters to CMI/JAT.
Reception centre meant to receive ADF who have renounced rebellion, counselling, recovering arms & ammo, reuniting them with their family members, and assisting them in getting amnesty.
Monitoring activities of former ADF, Salaf and Tablique Muslims in 18 Districts in the country.
Doing intelligence networking, tracking and surveillance missions on ADF plan and activities.
Countrywide mass mobilisation, sensitisation programmes for the Presidential campaigns and other elections.
Devise means of convincing ADF combatants still fighting to stop and renounce rebellion.
ADF reporters should be considered for enrolment into UPDF with their respective ranks while in the bush maintained.
Consideration for financial assistance and resettlement package for ADF reporters as clearly stipulated in the Amnesty Act-2000. However, they observe that the package given by the Commission was too small to sustain their livelihood, hence forcing others to go back into rebellion.
They seek approval from the CMI and government to help them form an Organisation for Amnesty Beneficiaries so that they can become a registered and legally recognised body to enable them lobby and solicit funds from NGOs, donor agencies and Embassies in the Arab world, which assistance the government has failed to honour. That their foreign funders are much willing to help but on condition that they first seek approval and recommendations from their government or recognized security organs to avoid unnecessary suspicions. That in respect of the difficult livelihood and a big number of orphans to look after, they appeal to the government to appreciate this effort and clear their organisation in order to get financial assistance.
THEIR CONCLUSION
4. They however conclude by saying that; they still remain a peaceful community who have worked with CMI/JAT despite several shortcomings and are still willing to continue operating. That they have simply been misunderstood and would like to correct the wrong impression that has been made by some circles branding them Al-Qaeda terrorists. They therefore seek dialogue and demand that the government should come out as soon as possible to sort out what went wrong since war and the character of exclusion won’t solve anything. Quote: “Mankind should put an end to war, or war would put an end to mankind”.
OBSERVATIONS
5. a. Such grievances and displeasure exhibited by the former ADF reporters and spearheaded by a few individuals led by a former senior ADF leader (Benz) on behalf of others is unfortunate, misguided, misleading and over ambitious in the sense that they may confuse the peaceful minded former ADF returnees into unlawful and subversive activities.
Some of the contents and remarks contained in the document are not only intimidating and threatening, but treasonous in nature. This may warrant clarity and substantiation.
The claims that they are denied loans and equal rights with other regular soldiers are unrealistic and baseless. The contention is that some of the ADF reporters stubbornly refused to enroll and train to become UPDF soldiers who are bound by the terms, conditions and regulations of the army. This factor, to some extent has indeed made it difficult for some of them to easily access UPDF salary loans, promotions, gratuity, deployment etc.
A substantial number of the willing and disciplined former ADF reporters were trained and integrated into UPDF and are enjoying some of the benefits pointed out above. These include; Lt Ali Munyoro, Lt Yahaya Sendi, Lt Sadat Kinobe, Sgt Kakaire Badru, Pte Mucunguzi Tadeo, Pte Tumwiine Kamada, Pte Nakawooya Amina, etc.
The former ASST office at Kitante for carrying out JAT operations was turned into Department of Operations at JAT HQs for easy supervision and conducting routine operations as may be directed by the OOC, DCMI, DCT, and DDCT. Nothing has changed apart from the venue/location.
6. a. Such actions by the former ADF reporters if not checked can be a recipe for disaster. The group needs to be infiltrated so as to know their plans, and motive.
The demand for the reinstatement of the former ADF liaison office at the Container Village cannot be entertained. Prior to the disbandment of the office by the former DCMI-Lt Col Buturo as a result of numerous complaints from wananchi, it was widely involved in extortion, illegal detentions and torture, and forgery of JAT documents e.g., movement orders and motor vehicle permits. All these affairs at the former Container Village were used in the name of JAT which negatively affected its image.
There are active serving UPDF soldiers among the disgruntled group who need to observe and abide by rules and regulations of the army, or else they can be liable for disciplinary actions. These individuals include; Sgt Benz Tushabe (leader), Pte Kigonya Siraje, Pte Abdu Rashid Mukiibi, Pte Kakooza Ahmad and others.
It’s dangerous for former rebel reporters to be allowed to operate a registered organisation meant to solicit funds from among other countries, the Arab world whose agenda and accountability cannot be clear and convincing.
It’s also important to find out whether all the members of this group are genuine amnesty beneficiaries. This will help to get rid of pretenders.
It’s comparatively wrong for the group to claim that the government negotiated a deal with Maj Gen Ali Bamuze (UNRF-II) and Maj Muhammed Kigundu (UNFA) and ignored them (ADF). The two were substantive rebel leaders who came out with all their forces, unlike ADF and LRA leadership who are still holed up in the bush fighting the government. Therefore, it’s irrelevant for the group to claim to work for and on behalf of the ADF.
In reference to Pg.4, Para h (i); It’s not true that by the time Rwigyema Shafik was arrested, he was on official JAT duties as alleged. Much as he was initially deployed by JAT in Busoga region, he was given official vehicle and a pistol for operational purposes. After taking too long without reporting to the HQs, he was disarmed but retained the official car. After about two years of absence, he was reportedly involved in self deployment masquerading as a CMI Revenue officer by extorting and harassing civilians in the Islands of Lake Victoria. He was subsequently arrested by the Wembley Operations, arraigned to Court Martial and jailed. The JAT car was impounded and never recovered to-date.
7. Forwarded for your action.
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